Misconceptions about dog rescue abound.

Fact: While some dogs may require additional training, many dogs that enter the rescue program are well behaved and find themselves in need of a new home due to nothing that they did.

For example, we have received dogs because the owner has lost their job and needs to move in with a relative who does not or cannot provide shelter for the dog, too. Or the owner has become ill and can no longer take care of their dog. Or the owner is working very long hours and can’t provide proper care for the dog and recognizes that it is in the best interest of the dog to be in a home that can provide more time with the dog.

Misconception #2: Rescue groups are desperate to find homes for dogs, and don’t care who gets them as long as they are gone.

Fact: Each year NEOESR receives more adoption applications than dogs.

Our rescue group is determined to match each dog with the right home. We spend many hours evaluating each dog and getting to know potential adopters.

Our dogs are fostered by experienced OES owners in their private homes. This allows us to evaluate each dog in a real life setting prior to placement. Some dogs have special needs, such as being an only dog, or being in a home with no children. Some may do best in an extremely active household while others will thrive with a more sedate environment.

We spend many hours talking with potential adopters, getting to know their situations. We visit their homes to make sure it is the best environment for the particular dog to be in.

Misconception #3: Rescue groups always have puppies available. I will have no trouble getting a very young dog, because they will have one right there.

Fact: The majority of the dogs we rescue are not puppies. While we do occasionally have puppies available, puppies are the exception rather than the rule. They make up only a small percentage of the dogs available for adoption.

Misconception #4: Rescue people are just out to make money. If they were really interested in helping find these dogs homes, they would just give them away rather than charge a fee.

Fact: We are not in rescue to make a profit. The adoption fee that is charged helps defray some of our costs which usually exceed the adoption fee.

Dogs are assessed by a veterinarian

All vaccinations are brought up to date.

Medical treatment is provided, if needed.

Dogs are given routine medicines to prevent heartworm and to minimize ticks and fleas.

Dogs are neutered or spayed if not previously neutered or spayed.

Dogs are groomed prior to placement

Misconception #5: Breed rescue groups are against breeding altogether, and have nothing to do with those who breed dogs.

Fact: NEOESR is pleased to support reputable breeders.

For potential adopters who want a puppy, NEOESR is happy to refer them to responsible OES breeders. For more details, please contact: grannie.annie@neoesr.org

NEOESR has several members who are breeders.

NEOESR is against puppy mills and others who are not acting in the best interest of the dogs. That includes groups that traumatize dogs by hauling truckloads of dogs to a parking lot and adopting them out without fully understanding the needs of each dog and the needs of each adopter.

We hope this has helped to answer your questions as to what rescue is and what we do and don’t do. If you have any further questions about breed rescue, please feel free to contact us with your questions!

The questions were reprinted with permission from Wheatons in Need, a rescue group supporting Soft Coated Wheaton Terriers.

Our rescue group specific answers were written by a volunteer with NEOESR.